Hydro Group has been selected by BAE Systems to design, develop and qualify a range of connectorised through-hull penetrators. These connectors are being developed for the Successor programme as a replacement to the Vanguard-class fleet of nuclear submarines, which will equip the UK Royal Navy with its long-term nuclear deterrent capability.
Graham Wilkie, Hydro Group Sales Director, said: “This contract is a significant step for Hydro Group, and reinforces the company’s 25-year commitment to supporting submarine system requirements. The project will engage a dedicated team of Hydro Group engineers specialised in the design and development of harsh environment underwater connection systems.”
Hydro Group’s cable and connectivity solutions are built to withstand the harshest environmental conditions including saltwater, shock, extreme temperature cycling and vibration. These factors place extreme pressure on the subsea systems, connectors and cables, resulting in the company’s connections being designed and manufactured for flexibility and environmental endurance.
Malcolm Dare, Supply Chain Director at BAE Systems Maritime-Submarines, said: “Facing strong and established competitors, Hydro Group offered a highly innovative and cost-effective penetrator solution for our project.”
Mr Whyte continued: “The team at Hydro Group are increasingly being asked for complex designs. Our engineers apply their extensive knowledge and expertise in materials and applications, developed over 30 years of manufacturing, to produce high-quality products suited to their environment. Experience of working within a harsh user environment combined with fresh ideas saw Hydro Group emerge as favourites from a stringent down-selection process. This complete design and manufacture package will now lead UK submarines well into the next decade.”
With an extensive product range, Hydro Group designs develop and manufactures products from start to finish in Scotland for subsea applications around the globe.
Hydro Group Technical Director Mark Hendry says his team is delighted to be engaged in this demanding project. The technology requirements fit well within the group’s current pioneering R&D programme. This includes extending the company’s range of subsea electrical and fibre optic penetrators, connector and cable solutions to meet ever more demanding environment and operational factors.
